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Moving with pets
Sally Anderson
http://realestate.msn.com/Rentals/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=25330>1=6974
 Before
the Move
For some renters, the stress of moving with a
pet begins long before you start hitting up your
ten best friends to help lug boxes the size of
a small child. Hint: If you're still looking for
a pet-friendly pad, search the Web sites of humane
organizations, such as http://www.hsus.org/,
for links to pet-approved rentals. But let's assume
you've gotten beyond all that and you have a month
to get Fido, Fluffy, and Woodstock ready for the
big move.
Moving is tough enough on humans, but animals
don't have a clue why strangers are removing the
furniture. Like the rest of us, pets need a little
extra TLC at moving time. Fortunately, there are
steps you can take to make their move easier at
both ends and on the road.
Prepare to make your move
Take your time. Stretch out your packing time
over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days,
leaving moving day as relaxed as possible for
you and your pets.
Make travel arrangements. If your move involves
air travel, contact airline carriers one month
in advance. Ask about their pet regulations, and
make reservations. Choose a nonstop flight to
avoid extra handling and climate and air-pressure
changes.
Visit your veterinarian. A couple weeks before
moving, request a copy of veterinary records,
a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health
certificate. Be sure your pets are up to date
with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has
health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would
be advisable before travel. Can your vet recommend
another in your new location? For out-of-state
moves, contact the State Department of Animal
Husbandry or the state veterinarian about entry
regulations—almost all states have entry
laws for most animals except tropical fish.
Don't change. Keep your pets' routines, such
as feedings and walks, as normal as possible in
the week before moving. Because dogs and cats
need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral
changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat
them with the same level of attention you would
ordinarily give them.
Make a pet room. A few days before moving, choose
a small room to be the "pet room." Tape
a sign to the door that says "Pets: Do Not
Open." Make the sign large enough that friends
or movers can see it easily. Move food and water
bowls, as well as toys, into this room. Provide
dogs and cats with sturdy carriers equipped with
litterbox (for cats), chew toys, or favorite objects
that have a familiar smell. Leave carrier doors
open so pets can adapt to them before travel day.
On moving day, keep animals in their carriers.
As an alternative, consider boarding dogs and
cats, or ask a friend to caretake your dogs during
the last few days.
Get tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an
indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification
tags with your new address and phone number. Be
sure your pets are wearing them during travel.
While you're at it, pick up a cat leash—you'll
need it if you're taking a long road trip or an
airplane as well as for the first few days that
Fluffy goes outdoors in her new neighborhood.
Tips for the Road
If you're traveling by car, keep cats and dogs
in carriers large enough to accommodate food and
water bowls plus a small litterbox for Fluffy.
Stop about every two hours to give larger pets
some fresh air. Be sure to use a leash if you
let your cat out. Maintain a comfortable car temperature
for all pets, and don't ever leave animals alone
in a car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked,
this can be fatal. Birds and other small pets
(hamsters, guinea pigs, and the like) are especially
susceptible to drafts and heat. Cover cages to
keep animals calm and well protected, and remove
water bottles except during rest-stop water breaks.
Travel checklist:
· Veterinary records, certificates, and
recent photos
· Medications
· Your pets' usual foods and plenty of
water from the home you're leaving (changing their
water source can be disorienting and upset their
stomachs)
· Food and water bowls, a can opener, and
resealable lids
· Toys, chew bones, and treats
· Leashes for cats and dogs
· Beds (pillows, towels, or other crate
liners)
· Plastic bags and scoops for dogs
· Litterbox for cats
· Cage covers for birds and rodents
· Paper towels for messes
· Provisions for the first day at the new
home
Moving In
Dog and cat care:
· Again, choose a small room to be the
pet room, where dogs and cats can feel secure
as you move in furniture and belongings. As much
as possible, have furniture, bowls, and toys in
place before you let your pets out of their crates.
· Don't let pets outdoors without a leash
until they've adapted to their new surroundings—several
days to a week for cats; dogs adapt more quickly.
· Continue giving your pets water from
home for the first few days.
· If your pets misbehave, consider ways
to reduce their stress. If you suspect they may
be ill, make a veterinary appointment. Don't punish
your pets for initial misbehavior. Cats especially
will not understand, and distrusting you will
only increase stress and stress-caused behaviors.
· Clean up "accidents" immediately.
Animals tend to repeat behaviors in the same areas,
so remove odors as quickly as possible.
For dogs only:
· If you're moving nearby, let Fido visit
your new digs before moving day. (This can also
be effective with cats, but keep them securely
in their crates.) Show them that you're relaxed
in this new environment.
· Take Fido on regular walks around the
neighborhood to introduce him to new sights and
sounds.
· If your dog is a chewer, invest in a
roomy crate as a doggie condo for times when you're
away from home.
· Create a steady schedule for walks and
feedings.
For cats only:
· For the first few days, give Fluffy the
security of one room as a home base, including
all her supplies. Let her explore the house or
apartment at her own pace, one room at a time.
· Remember the saying about cats and curiosity?
If you're moving into an upper-level apartment,
don't open windows more than one or two inches
unless they're securely screened.
· Place litterboxes away from feeding areas,
preferably on top of a replaceable throw rug or
carpet remnant. (Cats are very sensitive to odors
and often avoid using a litterbox that's too close
to their food and water.) Remove droppings daily
and replace litter weekly.
· If your cat likes to climb curtains,
replace existing curtains with an inexpensive
tablecloth or sheets you don't mind sacrificing
to the cause, until your cat is settled.
Sally Anderson is a writer and editor based in
Seattle.
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